NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into Guess?, Inc.’s (NYSE: GES) board of directors and executive officers for potential breaches of their fiduciary duties to shareholders in connection with its pending sale to Authentic Brands Group LLC (“Authentic”) for $16.75 per share. If you are a current shareholder of Guess, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/guess-in ...

Core Viewpoint - Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is investigating Guess?, Inc.'s board of directors and executive officers for potential breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders related to its pending sale to Authentic Brands Group LLC for $16.75 per share [1]. Company Overview - Guess is a fashion retailer with over 1,500 directly operated retail stores and distribution operations in approximately 100 countries, founded in 1981 by the Marciano family, who still own a significant portion of the company's stock [3]. - Paul Marciano, one of the founders, remains on the board and serves as the Chief Creative Officer [3]. Transaction Details - Paul Marciano and other investors have negotiated to rollover their ownership in Guess to own up to 49% of the new intellectual property holding company and 100% of the operating company post-closing [4]. Investigation Focus - The investigation by BFA Law is centered on whether Guess' board of directors, executive officers, and stockholders involved in the rollover have breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders in connection with the merger [5].

Core Viewpoint - Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is investigating Guess?, Inc.'s board of directors and executive officers for potential breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders related to the company's pending sale to Authentic Brands Group LLC for $16.75 per share [1]. Company Overview - Guess is a global fashion retailer with over 1,500 directly operated retail stores and distribution operations in approximately 100 countries [3]. - The company was founded in 1981 by the Marciano family, who still own a significant portion of the stock, with Paul Marciano serving on the Board and as Chief Creative Officer [3]. Transaction Details - Paul Marciano and other investors have negotiated to rollover their ownership in Guess to own up to 49% of the new intellectual property holding company and 100% of the operating company post-closing [4]. Legal Investigation - The investigation by BFA Law focuses on whether the board of directors, executive officers, and stockholders involved in the rollover have breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the merger [5].

Core Points - Guess?, Inc. shareholders are encouraged to contact BFA Law regarding an investigation into the $16.75 billion merger with Authentic Brands Group LLC [1] Company Summary - The merger deal is valued at $16.75 billion, indicating a significant financial transaction in the retail sector [1] - The involvement of BFA Law suggests potential legal scrutiny or concerns from shareholders regarding the merger process [1] Industry Summary - The merger between Guess?, Inc. and Authentic Brands Group LLC reflects ongoing consolidation trends within the retail industry, particularly among fashion brands [1] - Investigations into mergers and acquisitions are common in the industry, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance and shareholder interests [1]

Company Performance - Guess (GES) has gained approximately 19.7% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the average gain of 8.2% in the Consumer Discretionary group [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GES' full-year earnings has increased by 8.1% over the past 90 days, indicating improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook [3] Industry Context - Guess operates within the Textile - Apparel industry, which consists of 22 companies and currently ranks 215 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This industry has experienced an average loss of 27.3% year-to-date, highlighting Guess's relative strength [5] - In contrast, Acushnet (GOLF), another stock in the Consumer Discretionary sector, has returned 13.9% year-to-date and belongs to the Leisure and Recreation Products industry, which is ranked 56 and has gained 5.1% year-to-date [4][6] Sector Ranking - The Consumer Discretionary group is currently ranked 7 within the Zacks Sector Rank, which evaluates the strength of 16 individual sector groups based on the average Zacks Rank of the stocks within those groups [2] - Guess holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable position among its peers [3][5]

Group 1 - Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES) is considered one of the most undervalued retail stocks, with UBS raising its price target to $16.75 from $13, maintaining a Neutral rating [1] - Telsey Advisory also raised the price target for Guess?, Inc. to $16.75 from $13, keeping a Market Perform rating, following the announcement of a go-private agreement valued at $1.4 billion with Authentic Brands [2] - The company is involved in the design, marketing, licensing, and distribution of contemporary apparel and accessories for women, men, and children, with operations divided into segments: Americas Retail, Americas Wholesale, Europe, Asia, and Licensing [3]

Military Power and Technology - The U.S. military power, particularly through aircraft carrier strike groups, has been a dominant force globally for over 80 years, but both military and monetary power are in slow decline, indicating that America is no longer the sole superpower [1] - The development of hypersonic missiles by global powers like China and Russia poses a significant challenge to U.S. military defenses, particularly the Aegis Combat System, which is designed to protect aircraft carriers [5][6] - Hypersonic missiles, traveling at speeds of Mach 6 to Mach 10, are extremely difficult to intercept, with even advanced systems like Aegis potentially achieving only a 50% interception rate against such threats [8][9] Taiwan and Semiconductor Industry - Taiwan is crucial for global semiconductor production, with TSMC producing approximately 90% of the world's advanced chips, which are essential for various technologies including smartphones and GPUs [13] - The U.S. aims to onshore 50% of TSMC's manufacturing to America, a move that has met resistance from Taiwanese officials who are concerned about the impact on their technology sector [15][16] - The geopolitical tension surrounding Taiwan suggests that if China attempts to take control, their likelihood of success is high, raising questions about the timing of U.S. efforts to relocate semiconductor production [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Guess?, Inc. is currently under investigation for potential breaches of fiduciary duty, which may have significant implications for the company's governance and shareholder rights [1] Group 1 - The investigation is being conducted by the DJS Law Group, indicating a formal inquiry into the company's practices [1] - Shareholders are encouraged to discuss their rights in light of the investigation, suggesting potential legal ramifications for the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Guess?, Inc. (NYSE:GES) is recognized as one of the best stocks for passive income due to its consistent dividend payments and strong brand presence in the apparel industry [1][4]. Company Overview - Guess?, Inc. is an international apparel and accessories company known for its denim, casualwear, and lifestyle collections, connecting with customers through retail stores, wholesale partnerships, and licensing agreements [2]. Business Strategy - The company's success is attributed to maintaining strong brand value, expanding its global presence, and utilizing multiple distribution channels. Strategic acquisitions, product innovation, and impactful marketing are essential for keeping the brand relevant [3]. - Expansion efforts in Europe and Asia are aimed at reducing reliance on any single region, while sustainability initiatives and acquisitions, such as rag & bone, further enhance growth [3]. Financial Performance - Guess?, Inc. has made regular dividend payments for 18 consecutive years, with a recent 25% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.225 per share. The stock currently has a dividend yield of 5.35% as of September 22 [4].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Textile – Apparel industry is currently facing challenges due to persistent inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and high selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which are impacting profitability [1][5] - The industry includes companies that manufacture, design, distribute, and sell apparel, footwear, and accessories for men and women, operating through various distribution channels [3] Current Trends - Consumer caution and a focus on value are evident as inflation and macroeconomic uncertainty lead to muted demand, straining the textile and apparel sector [4] - Persistent cost pressures from elevated input and labor costs, rising SG&A, and freight and tariff volatility are causing ongoing margin pressure [5] - Digital and AI-driven transformation is becoming a key growth driver, with companies leveraging these technologies to improve efficiency and connect with consumers [6] - Brand strength is increasingly important, with companies positioning themselves as lifestyle curators to maintain premium pricing and appeal to younger shoppers [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Textile – Apparel industry ranks 191, placing it in the bottom 22% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating dim near-term prospects [8] - The industry's consensus earnings estimate has declined by 8.6% since June 2025, reflecting a negative aggregate earnings outlook [9] - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, declining by 16.6% compared to the sector's and S&P 500's growth of 23.9% and 19.8%, respectively [10] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.25X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 23.36X and the sector's 19.98X [13] Notable Companies - **Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL)**: Focused on brand elevation and digital ecosystems, with a Zacks Rank of 2. The consensus EPS estimate has increased by 8.4% to $14.77, and shares have rallied 36.3% in the past six months [16][17] - **Hanesbrands Inc. (HBI)**: Engaging in a transformation centered on innovation and cost discipline, with a Zacks Rank of 2. The consensus EPS estimate has risen by 24.5% to $0.66, and shares have increased by 3.5% [20][21] - **Guess?, Inc. (GES)**: Advancing a global growth strategy with a focus on brand elevation and operational agility, holding a Zacks Rank of 2. The consensus EPS estimate has jumped by 8.1% to $1.60, with shares surging 36.1% [24][25] - **PVH Corp. (PVH)**: Revitalizing core brands through marketing and international expansion, with a Zacks Rank of 3. The consensus EPS estimate has increased by $0.02 to $0.84, and shares have jumped 28.8% [28][29]